bush clover
Lespedeza thunbergii
RHS AGM 1993
USDA zones4 to 8
SunHandles full sun to partial sun
WaterHandles dry to moist soil
Size3 to 6 feet tall3 to 8 feet wide
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Habit
- Arching
- Bloom season
- Summer, autumn
- Bloom color
- Rose purple
- Foliage color
- Blue, green
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, clay, chalk
- Soil pH
- Acid, alkaline, neutral
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Bush clover (Lespedeza thunbergii) is a shrub for borders, pollinator gardens, and cottage gardens. It is hardy to USDA zone 4, or down to -30°F (-34°C). This plant likes full or part sun and dry to moist soil of most types. Its arching stems carry rose purple flowers from summer into autumn, and butterflies, hummingbirds, and birds visit the blooms. It is not a favorite of deer, though hungry deer will eat almost anything. It is also drought tolerant.
Pairs well with False indigo, Blue fescue, Stargazer lily, and Susan magnolia.
Native range
Asia.